GS1 Standards

The global language of business

GS1 Standards provide a common language and help to create seamless work processes that allow businesses to identify, capture, and share information the same way all over the world.

Through the power of GS1 Standards, organizations can use accurate, robust information that makes it possible for the right product to be in the right place at the right time as well as allow consumers to find the products they are looking for.

Think of GS1 Standards as a product’s data “DNA”—the building block for connecting an item with all the information about it. From that foundation, small to large companies are building even better ways to do business. For instance, GS1 Standards enable:

Consumers to follow the food they eat—from the farm to the table

A shopper to access detailed product information from their mobile device

Companies to save through greater product and item visibility in their supply chain

General Specifications v19 Now Available

The GS1 General Specifications is the core standards document of the GS1 System describing how GS1 bar codes and identification keys should be used. To view the most updated version of the General Specifications, click here.

GS1 Standards at-a-glance: identify, capture, share

Identify
These are the numbers behind the barcodes. Used in both the physical and digital worlds, GS1 identification numbers uniquely distinguish products, logistics units, locations, assets, documents, and relationships across the supply chain—from the manufacturer to the consumer.

GS1 Standards Development

The GS1 Global Office develops international standards using the Global Standards Management Process (GSMP). GSMP is the document development lifecycle that includes a comprehensive set of rules allowing GS1's community of stakeholders to reach consensus on user-driven standards. To visit the standards development website, click here.

GSMP Standards Development Work Groups

The GSMP brings together users from around the world to develop supply chain standards in GSMP Work Groups. These groups operate under the GSMP and comply with anti-trust laws. To get involved in a work group, click here.

UNSPSC®

The United Nations Standard Products and Services Code®, managed by GS1 US, is an open, global, multi-sector standard for efficient, accurate classification of products and services. To view UNSPSC®, click here.

GS1 US® and design is a registered trademark of GS1 US, Inc. Trademarks appearing on this site are owned by GS1 US, Inc. unless otherwise noted, and may not be used without the permission of GS1 US, Inc.